THE FOURTH WATCH

 

Monday, August 19, 2024

 

THE FOURTH WATCH

 

Matt 14:23-27

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

 

          Adam Clarke correctly explains the division of the night watches when he says: “The first watch began at six o'clock in the evening, and continued till nine; the second began at nine, and continued till twelve; the third began at twelve, and continued till three next morning; and the fourth began at three, and continued till six. It was therefore between the hours of three and six in the morning that Jesus made his appearance to his disciples.”

(from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

 

          Jesus had slipped away to the mountain to pray without distraction. Oh, it is so difficult to find a solitary place and a quiet time to talk with God! The evening, opsios, or nightfall found Jesus alone in prayer.

 

          Now Jesus comes casually walking on the water. We may discover three important things about this miraculous encounter.

 

Firstly, although Jesus was some distance away, He was aware of their distress. The winds were contrary, and they were engaged in hard rowing. It is likely that their trouble kept them from seeing Jesus at first, but it did not hide the disciples from Jesus. The Master knew His own and was aware of their troubles. So confident was Jesus of a safe outcome that verse 48 says “He would have passed by them.”

 

Secondly, Jesus found them on the stormy lake in the dark. The old hymn says, “When darkness seems to hide His face I rest on His unchanging grace.”

 

Thirdly, Jesus walked on water as if it were the most natural thing to do. Job, when describing the miraculous things only God can do says: “[He] alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.” Job 9:8

 

          Jesus knows your whereabouts. He knows your condition. He knows your face and can easily call you by name. He is not concerned for your safety for that was secured long ago.

 

O God, you see me how I am and where I am. My worries do not trouble you. Your care for me is accompanied by great confidence. Your hand snatches me from my watery doubt and lightly scolds me for it. Suddenly we shall reach the shore. Thank you for your guardianship in the fourth watch. AMEN